Hi friends! Today, I would like to share glimpses from my second visit to the Chitai Golu Devta Temple, fondly known as the temple of bells. Surrounded by dense pine forest, this sacred site resonates with faith and the sound of countless bells offered by devotees.
We arrived in the early afternoon, just as the sun cast its golden glow over the temple. Before stepping inside, we explored the local shops lining the temple’s entrance. There, an array of bells in various sizes gleamed in the sunlight.
As I mentioned in the previous post, these bells are tied in the temple as a sign of gratitude each time a wish is fulfilled. But beyond their spiritual significance also lies a historical connection.
Golu Devta, the revered deity of this temple, was deeply devoted to cows. In fact, the very name "Golu" is derived from the word Gwala, meaning herder of cows. To him, cows were not merely sacred animals but divine companions. It is believed that Golu Devta used to say that tying a bell around the neck of a sacred cow is as holy as the sound of a thousand bells ringing within the temple itself.
This is the temple's entrance. I was captivated by its vibrant red hue. The bold Om symbol painted above added a sense of spiritual energy, making it feel both inviting and sacred.
The entrance has a small door that leads to a narrow corridor filled with countless petitions and bells, each tied with red chunris bordered in gold. Walking through feels like stepping into a realm of enchantment. When the bells ring together, the sound echoes powerfully, creating a breathtaking symphony of faith and devotion.
The banner on the door reads: "Bandaro se saavdhan"—Stay cautious of the monkeys!
And, finally, the central shrine, where devotees come to seek blessings from the deity. Photography inside the sanctum, as clearly stated on the wall, is strictly prohibited.
When I visited this time, the priest politely asked me to keep my camera off. However, during my first trip to this temple, I managed to capture a quick mobile photo of my uncle. He had invited me to meet him here and while the priest was engrossed in a conversation, I seized the moment to take a portrait of him, which fortunately also offers a glimpse of the sanctum's interior.
The temple was adorned with the uncountable bells of all sizes. On some of the larger bells, I saw names and places written, as if each one held a personal story.
As we finally stepped outside, we encountered a few cows wandering near the temple in search of food. They seemed unbothered by the crowd and their calm presence added a touch of charm to the moment. Nearby, a local vendor was gently trying to shoo one of them away, worried she might wander into his sweet and snack shop. It was a simple yet heartwarming scene that brought a smile to our faces.
That's all for now! Thanks for dropping by. If you're a temple lover and ever find yourself in the area, I highly recommend visiting to experience its soulful vibes. Stay blessed and have a wonderful day ahead!